After BP, Berkman hopeful return is near

ARLINGTON -- On Monday, Rangers designated hitter Lance Berkman participated in batting practice on the field for the first time since July 7. The switch-hitter, fighting left hip inflammation, felt better when hitting from the left side of the plate, but he said that overall, he felt pretty good.

Berkman said he's day to day at this point. He's already eligible to return to the active roster and on Saturday expressed a lack of interest in going on a rehabilitation assignment. He ran on a treadmill on Sunday and planned to do the same after taking batting practice. Berkman is hitting .254 with six home runs and 34 RBIs this season.

"Just whenever I can do the things pain free is the goal," Berkman said.